Toy parking device



Oct. 8, 1963 F. J. PATTON TOY PARKING DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 9. 1960 INVENTOR. mm

Fran/r J Patron, Jr.

' Oct. 8, 1963 F. J. PATTON 3,106,038

TOY PARKING DEVICE Filed Nov. 9, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 2

rank J Patron, Jr.

INVENTOR.

Oct. 8, 1963 F. J. PATTON 3,106,038

TOY PARKING DEVICE Filed Nov. 9, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fig.3

Frank J Paffon, Jr. INVENTOR.

Oct. 8, 1963 F. J. PATTON 3,106,038

TOY PARKING DEVICE Filed Nov. 9, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fig. 6

92 Frank J P0 Hon, Jr.

IN VENTOR.

United States Patent Office Bdhdfifid Patented Oct. 8, 1963 3,106,038 TOY PARKING DEVICE Frank J. Patton, In, RR. 6, Box 1%, Frankfort, Ind.

Filed Nov. 9, 1960, Ser. No. 68,283 3 Claims. (Cl. 46-4-9) This invention relates to a novel toy construction simulating an automatic parking machine for automobiles which construction may also be adopted for commercial purposes.

A primary object of this invention is to provide an amusing toy device having a plurality of moving parts, movement of which originates from any one point in order to park toy automobiles upon platforms and subsequently moving said platforms to an upper parking position maintaining the platforms in horizontal position at all times.

A further object of this invention is to provide a ruggedly constructed toy parking device which by virtue of its plurality of moving parts to which movement is positively imparted, much pleasure and amusement may be provided.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a toy parking device which features a rugged frame construotion having track formations within which platform suspension rods are guidingly received for movement therethrough, said rods being positively and accurately spaced from each other by means of a novel link arrangement also affording a novel drive arrangement for the toy parking device which arrangement may also be advantageously applied to commercial installations.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of one form of toy parking device constructed in accordance with this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a side sectional view taken through the parking device illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken through a plane indicated by section line 33 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a partial sectional view of a second form of toy parking device made in accordance with this invention. Y

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the second form of parking device illustrated in FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the pivotally suspended platform of the parking device.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIGURES 1'3 illustrate one form of the invention. The toy parking device as seen in FIGURE 1 is therefore generally de signated by reference numeral 10. The device includes a track frame assembly generally indicated by reference numeral 12 within which a plurality of pivotally suspended platforms generally indicated by reference numeral 14 are conveyed in order to position the platforms for loading thereon of a toy automobile 16 and then moving the loaded platforms toward an upper position so as to unload other platforms or load other platforms brought downwardly to a lower position. In FIGURES 1-3, the track frame assembly 12 is illustrated in a hori- Zontal position with respect to the elongated dimension of the frame assembly. It will however be understood that the frame assembly may also be vertically positioned with respect to its elongated dimension if so desired. For the .purposes of the description herein however, the invention will be described with respect to the illustrated horizontal positioning.

The track frame assembly 12 includes a pair of parallel horizontally positioned track frame members 18 and 20 each of which members 18 and 20 include a straight upper portion 22 and a lower parallel straight portion 24, which parallel straight portions are interconnected at the opposite ends thereof by curved portions 26 and 28. As seen in FIGURE 3 in particular, the frame members 18 and 20 are channel shaped in cross section to constitute continuous and endless track formations 26 and 28- which face each other. The horizontally disposed frame members 18 and 20 are maintained in parallel spaced relation to each other and in spaced relation above the ground surface by means of a plurality of spaced supporting members 30, 32 and 34. Each of the supporting mem bers 3t), 32 and 34 include foot portions 36 and 38 which straddle the frame members 18 and 2t} and maintain them in spaced relation above the ground by being connected to the sides thereof as by welding or any other suitable fastening means. Plastic cup footing members 40 may be applied to the bottom of the foot portions 36 and 38 to avoid scratching of the surface upon which thetoy device is placed as well as to give a more realistic appearance to the toy device. -It will also be observed that the support members are channel shaped in cross section with the channel formation thereof facing outwardly with respect to the horizontal track frames 18 and 20 being straddled thereby. Also, each of the supporting members includes an upper portion 42 which extends across and above the frame members 18 and 20* and connected thereto in order to maintain the spaced relationship between the frame members 18 and 24). Also intermediate connecting portions 44 are provided between the foot portions 36 and 38 of each supporting member for additional bracing and spacing purposes. From the foregoing description, it will become apparent that the frame assembly 12 is of a rigid and accurate construction enabling smooth operation of the toy parking device.

The track frame assembly 12 may therefore movably mount conveying mechanism for the platforms 14. Referring therefore to FIGURES 2 and 3 in particular, it will be observed that the platforms 14 are suspended from rod members 46 which are operatively interconnected in spaced relation to each other and guided by the track formations 26 and 28 on the frame members 18 and 20. Referring therefore to FIGURE 3 in particular it will be observed that rollers 48 and 50 disposed within the track formations 26 and 28 respectively are connected to the opposite ends of the rod members 46. A sleeve member 52 is disposed about the rod member 46 and is axially spaced from the rollers 48 and 50 by means of a pair of drive link members 54 and 56 adjacent one end of the rod member and pivotally connected thereto while link members 58 and 60* space the other end of the sleeve 52 from the other roller 50. From FIGURE 2, it will be observed that there are a plurality of pairs of link members 58 and 60 as well as 54- and 56 each of which pairs are pivotally connected at the opposite ends thereof to the rod members 46 associated with each of the platforms 14. As a result thereof, all of the platforms 14 will be spaced from each other and drivingly interconnected for guiding movement with respect to the track formations 26 and 28 of the frame. Therefore, it will only be necessary to move the link members in order to convey the platforms 14 between the lower portion 24 and upper portion 22 of the frame assembly.

Drive mechanism is therefore provided which cooperates with the pairs of link members to cause movement of the platforms 14. Accordingly, a supporting bracket member 62 is fastened to the supporting member 32 by fasteners 64, said bracket members 62 rotatably supporting a drive shaft 66 which is disposed parallel to and in spaced relation above the upper portion 22 of the frame assembly 12. As more clearly seen in FIG- URE 3, a pair of continuously engaging friction gear elements 63 and '79 are fastened to the drive shaft 66 and depend slightly below the top surface of the upper.

portions 22 of the frame assembly members and fric tionally engage the pairs of link members 54 and 56 and 58 and 60 which are disposed therebelow. Accordingly, upon rotation of the drive shaft 66 the friction gear elements 68 and 7 will impart rectilinear movement directly to the link members in continuous driving engagement therewith in order to propel the interconnected platforms 14 with respect to the frame assembly. It will also be apparent from FIGURE 2, that by virtue of the link connection between the platforms, movement of the platforms with respect to the curved end portions 26 and 28 of the frame assembly may be accommodated. Also, in order to impart rotation to the drive shaft 66, a crank disk member 72 is connected to one end of the drive shaft and has a crank handle 74 mounted thereon so that one may conveniently and manually impart rotation to the drive shaft 66.

In FIGURE 3, it will be observed that each of the sleeves 52 includes a pair of spaced crimped portions 76 within which the rod-like platform suspending members 78 are pivotally connected and maintained in axially spaced position on the sleeve 52. Four rod portions 80 are accordingly suspended from the sleeve member 52 and connected at the bottom thereof to the platform 14. Referring therefore to FIGURE 6 in particular, it will be observed that the platform 14 includes a bottom portion 32 which is'bent upwardly at the sides thereof to form side portions 84 and 86. A rear portion of the platform 14 has a stop member 88 connected thereto while the forward portion includes hinge arrangements 90 for hingedly connecting a ramp member 92 to the platform bottom member 82. Detent lugs Q4 project from the sides of the ramp member 92 adjacent the rear portion thereof in order to engage depressions 96 on the forward ends of the sides 84 and 86 of the platform in order to hold or lock the ramp in an upward position once a vehicle such as the toy automobiles 16 have been loaded onto the platform. Accordingly, as seen in FIGURES 13, when a.

platform is guided within the lower portion 24 of the frame assembly the ramp member 92 may be lowered to the position illustrated in FIGURE 6 whereby a toy vehicle may be loaded or unloaded from the platform with respect to the ground supporting surface on which the toy parking device is set.

Referring now to FIGURES 4 and a second form of the invention will be described. In this latter form, the pairs of link members have continuous gear teeth or rack teeth formations 98 thereon whichcontinuously mesh with gear members 100 which are affixed to the drive shaft 66. Accordingly, a more positive drive maybe eflfected for propelling the platforms 14. Also, the drive shaft 66 instead of being manually driven, may be power operated by means of an electric motor 102 which is supported above the frame assembly and spaced from the drive shaft 66. Accordingly, a belt drive 104 drivingly interconnects the motor 102 and the drive shaft 66. It will therefore be apparent that the latter form of the iinvention Will be more efiicient for commercial parking devices because of the ability to transmit larger propelling forces inherent therein.

From the foregoing description, operation and utility of the toy parking device will be apparent. It will therefore be appreciated that the toy device may be economically constructed from a minimum of parts to provide a sturdy and pleasingly operating device. Also, by virtue of the novel drive arrangement of the device a uniquely simple but effective drive is provided for propelling the link formed conveyor mechanism for the toy vehicle carrying platforms. Inasmuch as the novel drive arrangement transmits propelling forces continuously to the interconnecting drive links at all locations therealong, intermittent shock producing drive of the suspended platforms is avoided. Furthermore since the propelling forces arenot applied directly to the spaced, platform suspending rods, the use of drive engaging elements made necessarily large because of correspondingly wider spaced rod-engaging notches or projections, is avoided. A greater dimensional and installational flexibility is therefore achieved by virtue of which the constructional features of the present invention lend themselves to commercial installations.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction andoperation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A parking device comprising a pair of channel frame members disposed in parallel spaced relation to each other and having inwardly facing continuous channel track formations, said frame membersbeing horizontally dis posed above a supporting surface, support members including vertical feet portions straddling the frame members and interconnecting horizontal portions disposed above and between the track formations on the frame members, a plurality of rod members having guiding rollers connected to opposite ends thereof disposed within said track formations, link means pivotally connected to said rod members adjacent each of said rollers and inwardly of said frame members, a drive shaft rotatably mounted in spaced relation to said frame members above and parallel to said rod members, a plurality of continuously engaging gear means fixed to and axially spaced along said drive shaft above and drivingly engageable with each of said link means for continuously transmitting propelling force directly to said link meansat all loca-' tions therealong upon rotation of the drive shaft, drive means drivingly connected to said drive shaft, said gear means comprising axially spaced friction rollers mounted on said drive shaft frictionally engaging said link means,

said drive means comprising a manually operated crank disk member fixed to said drive shaft and platforms pivotally suspended from each rod member.

2. The combination of claim 1 including a supporting bracket member connected to one of said support members for rotatably mounting said drive shaft in operative relation to the link means. 1

3. A parking device comprising a pair of channel frame members disposed in parallel spaced relation to each other and having inwardly facing continuous channel track formations, said frame members being horizontally disposed above a supporting surface, support members including vertical feet projections straddling the frame members and interconnecting horizontal portions disposed above and between the track formations on the frame members, a plurality of rod members having guiding rollers connected to opposite ends thereof disposed within said track formations, link means pivotally connected to said rod members adjacent each of said rollers and inwardly of said frame members a drive shaft rotatably mounted in spaced relation to said frame members above and parallel to said rod members, a plurality of continuously engaging gear means fixed to and axially spaced along said drive shaft above and drivingly engageable with each of said link means for continuously transmitting propelling force directly to said link means at all locations therealong upon rotation of the drive shaft, drive means drivingly connected to said drive shaft, said link means including continuous gear teeth formed thereon in continuous mesh with said gear means which com- References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,537,457 Bryan May 12, 1925 2,731,160 Maier Jan. 17, 1956 2,794,559 Rowe June 4, 1957 2,878,921 Clark Mar. 24, 1959 

1. A PARKING DEVICE COMPRISING A PAIR OF CHANNEL FRAME MEMBERS DISPOSED IN PARALLEL SPACED RELATION TO EACH OTHER AND HAVING INWARDLY FACING CONTINUOUS CHANNEL TRACK FORMATIONS, SAID FRAME MEMBERS BEING HORIZONTALLY DISPOSED ABOVE A SUPPORTING SURFACE, SUPPORT MEMBERS INCLUDING VERTICAL FEET PORTIONS STRADDLING THE FRAME MEMBERS AND INTERCONNECTING HORIZONTAL PORTIONS DISPOSED ABOVE AND BETWEEN THE TRACK FORMATIONS ON THE FRAME MEMBERS, A PLURALITY OF ROD MEMBERS HAVING GUIDING ROLLERS CONNECTED TO OPPOSITE ENDS THEREOF DISPOSED WITHIN SAID TRACK FORMATIONS, LINK MEANS PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO SAID ROD MEMBERS ADJACENT EACH OF SAID ROLLERS AND INWARDLY OF SAID FRAME MEMBERS, A DRIVE SHAFT ROTATABLY MOUNTED IN SPACED RELATION TO SAID FRAME MEMBERS ABOVE AND PARALLEL TO SAID ROD MEMBERS, A PLURALITY OF CONTINUOUSLY ENGAGING GEAR MEANS FIXED TO AND AXIALLY SPACED 